CFRP Fuel Tank Conduction Layer for Static Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures used in aircraft fuel tanks lack electrical conductivity, preventing them from diffusing static electricity generated due to friction with fuel, which is a secondary function typically provided by metallic structures.
Innovation Solution
A carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic structure with a conduction layer on its surface, limiting conduction in the thickness direction and securing it in the surface direction, using a metal layer and insulating layer to prevent corrosion and allow static electricity to be dissipated externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional CFRP structure with a resin layer covering the surface is used, then the structure achieves weight reduction and reinforcement, but it lacks electrical conductivity and cannot diffuse static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surface treatment into multiple functional layers: a conduction layer for electrical conductivity, an insulating layer to prevent corrosion, and a resin layer for protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others, solving the contradiction between achieving conductivity and preventing corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining carbon fiber prepreg with multiple functional layers (conduction layer, insulating layer, resin layer). This composite material approach enables the CFRP structure to simultaneously achieve weight reduction, reinforcement, electrical conductivity, and corrosion protection, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
2Reliability
If a conduction layer is added to the CFRP structure surface, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but corrosion occurs due to metal battery formation between the conduction layer and carbon fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the conduction layer and the carbon fiber prepreg. This insulating layer prevents direct electrical contact between the two materials, thereby preventing the formation of a metal battery and the resulting corrosion, while still allowing the conduction layer to provide electrical conductivity for static electricity diffusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer is applied in advance to protect the carbon fiber prepreg from corrosion caused by the conduction layer. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful effect of corrosion before it can occur, extending the service life of the CFRP structure while maintaining electrical conductivity.
3Reliability
If a metal layer is used for conduction, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the metal layer corrodes when in contact with carbon fiber prepreg
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as a mediator between the metal conduction layer and the carbon fiber prepreg, preventing direct contact and the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion. This allows the metal layer to maintain its electrical conductivity function without suffering from corrosion when exposed to fuel and moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure with the metal conduction layer, insulating layer, and carbon fiber prepreg. This composite material system combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the corrosion resistance of the insulating layer and carbon fiber, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the CFRP structure to effectively diffuse static electricity generated by fuel friction, preventing potential sparks and corrosion while maintaining the structural integrity of the fuel tank.
Implementation Method 1
a conduction layer provided on a surface of the carbon fiber prepreg to limit conduction in a thickness direction of a carbon fiber and secure conduction in a surface direction of the carbon fiber
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer that insulates between the metal layer and the carbon fiber constituting the carbon fiber prepreg
Implementation Method 3
it is possible to prevent the conduction layer from being corroded by the conduction layer and the carbon fiber prepreg constituting a metal battery
Data Source
AI summary
A spar as a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic structure according to the present invention includes a carbon fiber prepreg, and a conduction layer provided on a surface of this carbon fiber prepreg to limit conduction in a thickness direction of a carbon fiber and secure conduction in a surface direction of the carbon fiber.